In a historic gesture, the five judges of the Supreme Court who delivered the verdict in the Ram Janmabhoomi dispute case in 2019 have been extended invitations to attend the upcoming Ram temple ‘Pran Pratishta’ ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22. The distinguished panel, headed by then Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, played a pivotal role in resolving the contentious issue surrounding the holy site.
The verdict, delivered on November 9, 2019, saw the Bench, comprising former Chief Justice S.A. Bobde, present Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, and Justices (retired) Ashok Bhushan and S. Abdul Nazeer, handing over the disputed land to the Hindu community. Despite the court recognizing the claims of Muslims over the site, it mandated the government to allocate a “prominent and suitable” five-acre plot for the construction of a mosque in Ayodhya.
The inclusion of these esteemed judges in the ceremony, alongside over 50 jurists, former chief justices, judges, and eminent lawyers, underscores the significance of this event. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and former Attorney General KK Venugopal are among the distinguished invitees, emphasizing the legal luminaries’ role in shaping the resolution of the longstanding dispute.
Preparations for the grand Ram Mandir ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony have been in full swing, with Ayodhya witnessing a significant facelift ahead of the event. Scheduled for January 22, the ceremony will not only mark the inauguration of the Ram temple but also feature Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the chief guest.
The sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Temple has already witnessed the installation of the idol of Ram Lalla, with the seven-day religious rituals commencing on January 16 and set to continue until January 21. The temple trust anticipates the attendance of over 7,000 individuals, including politicians, celebrities, industrialists, and saints during the ceremony.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is set to attend the event, further emphasized its importance by releasing commemorative postage stamps dedicated to Ayodhya’s Ram Temple and a book featuring stamps from around the world dedicated to Lord Ram.
As the nation eagerly awaits this historic event, the ‘Pran Pratishta’ ceremony stands as a testament to the convergence of religious and legal facets, symbolizing a milestone in the resolution of one of India’s most enduring disputes.
Surjitt Sahani
